Determining a percentage of a given number is a fundamental mathematical operation with broad applications. In the specific instance of calculating twenty percent of sixty-three, the objective is to find the value that represents one-fifth of the total quantity of sixty-three. This involves converting the percentage to a decimal (0.20) and multiplying it by the original number (63). The resulting value is the portion of sixty-three that constitutes twenty percent.
The ability to calculate percentages is crucial in numerous fields. In finance, it is used to determine interest rates, calculate discounts, and assess investment returns. In retail, percentage calculations are essential for marking down prices and determining sales tax. Historically, the concept of percentages has been instrumental in trade and commerce, enabling consistent and standardized methods for calculating proportions and values.